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W. J. HAMMOND su Jl GORDON. MEANS FOR CONCENTRATING DRES 0R OTHER SUBSTANGES. NO. 532,956.

Patented Jen. 22, 1895.

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W. J. HAMMOND & J. GORDON. MEANS PQR GONGBNTRATING oms 0R GTHER SUBSTANGBS.

No. 532,956. l Patented Jan. 22, 1895.A

Rf? l5 MZ ATTORNEYS.

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NLTRD i f STATES ,TENT PRICE.

WALTER JOHNV HAMMOND, OF LONDON, ENGLAND, AND JOHN GORDON, OF

' Rio JANRIRO, BRAZIL.

NIEANSFOR CONCENTRATING ORES OR OTHER SUBSTANCES.V

SPECIFICATIN forming part of Letters Patent No. 532,956, dated January 22, 1895. Application led December l2, 1893. Serial No. 493,499. (No model) To all whom t may concern.' Be it known that we, WALTER JOHN HAM- MOND, a subject of the Queen ot' Great Britain, residing at London, England, and JOHN GORDON, a citizen of the United States, re-

siding at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, have inven ted Io tion.

The invention relates to concentrators such as shown and described in the Letters Patent of the United States, No. 450,013, granted to us April 7, 1891.

The object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus for mechanically separating lighter and heavier particles of ore and other substances, in the same manner as is now done by a skilled hand in panning The apparatus consists principally of a vessel preferably made conical and mechanism for imparting to it a varying motion around a lixed center and an oscillating motion around its own center, the latter being eccentric to the center of the reciprocal motion.

The invention also consists of certain parts and details and combinations of the same, as as will be hereinafter described and then pointed out in the claims.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the gures.

improvement. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same with parts in section on the line 2-2 of Fig. l. Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional plan View of a modified form of the apex of the conical vessel, the section being taken on the line 8-3 of Fig. l. Fig. 4 is a similar view of another modified form of the same. Fig. 5 is a like view of another form of the same. Fig. 6 isa plan view of amoditied form of bearing for the handle of the pan. Fig. 7 is an enlarged side elevation, with part in section, of the tilting mechanism. Fig. 8 is a sectional side elevation of a modified form of the fievf e for varying the throw of the vessel. 5o Fig. 9 1s"-ae diagrammatical View of the motion of the vessel. Fig. l0 is a sectional side A elevation of a modified form of ring; and Fig.

Figure lis a sectional side elevation of thev ll is a side elevation of' a modified form of shoe.

In order fully to understand the methodv which is carried out by means of our improved apparatus, it is necessary to state the principles on which the invention is based. A s is well known, heavy materials which will sink in water when the latter is at rest, will float in and be carried by the same Water when it is in motion. If this motion is slow, only light substances will be lifted and carried, and if the motion is rapid, heavier materials will be caught up. In fact, there is a direct relation between the specific gravity of a body and velocity required to lift and carryit. In consequence of this relation, if a mixture of substances of different specific gravities be put into a fluid, say water, to which is gradually imparted an increasing velocity, then the fluid will begin by picking up the lighter particles first and then,as the velocity increases, the heavier particles in regular order, until nally, it a high enough velocity is given, all the particles, light andV hea-Vy, will be kept in suspension; It' now the velocity is slowly diminished, the parti? cles will begin to deposit themselves, but in a reverse ordergthat is to say, the heavier particles will come down first, the lighter settling the last of all.

" If at any time the velocity is allowed to continue constant, a certain part of the substances will be deposited and the rest will remain indefinitely in suspension; that is, so long as the velocity remains constant, so long will the bodies held up continue in suspension. It is vtherefore evident that to etect a separation of the mixed bodies it is only necessary to increase the velocity until all are in suspensionand then to decrease it again, stopping the change at that point when the lighestparticles only are suspended, then removing these lightest particles, repeating the operation to get rid of or to eliminate the next lightest, and so on, until finally the heaviest particles remain alone.

The Operation is greatly facilitated by giving little shakes or jigs to the mass of Water and suspended material, or by suddenly and temporarily checking the motion of the Water, not only because such jigs by momentarily changing the velocity of the Huid produce in the ring E.

a minor degree the same effects as the more apparent changes of motion described above, but also because they help to prevent the accumulation of particles intolumps and groups, enabling the individual particle to free itself from contact with others and so follow freely in its own course. For example, a heavy particle may be prevented from falling by a number of light ones adhering to it, while a light particle may be held down in a similar manner by heavier on es. .A quick jerk or j ig frees them all, and it is evident that as in the process of sifting any material, the more varied the jigs or jerks are in force and direction, the more quickly and easily will the particles be freed from each other.

In order to obtain the above described result and to carry the method into eect, we provide the apparatus shown in the drawings and presently to be described.

The concentrator is provided with a suitably constructed frame A, on which is journaled in suitable bearings and steps the verticaliy disposed shaft B provided with a pulley B' connected by a belt with suitable machinery for imparting a rotary motion to the said shaft B, the motion being preferably varyingin speed. It is understood however that other suitable means may be employed for imparting a rotary motion of any kind to the shaft. On the upper end of the shaftB is secured a socket C, provided with two bearings C', in which is fitted to slide the diametrical arm or spoke D' of a Wheel D, disposed horizontally and carrying on the upper surface of its rim a ring E, provided with an inwardly extending flange E', engaged by a flanged ring D3, bolted or otherwise secured to the rim of the wheel D, as is plainly illustrated in Figs. l and 2. The outermost face of the ring E abuts on an annular flange D2, formed on the rim of the wheel D, so that the ring E is free to turn on the rim of Ithe wheel D, but is prevented by its flange E' engaged by the flanged ring D3 from moving upward out of its bearing. If desired, the flange E' may be formed exteriorly as shown in Fig. 10.

From opposing sides of the ring E extend upward and outward, the brackets E2 and E3, provided with bearings E4 and E5 respectively, in which are mounted to turn the trunnions F and F'respectively, bolted or otherwise secured to the outer face of the vessel G, preferably made conical in shape as is plainly illustrated in Fig. l, the apex of the vessel beingin vertical alignment with the center of The ring E isiprovided with a handle Efi having an extension E8 extending outwardly parallel to and below the trunnion F', as will be readily understood by reference to Fig. 1. The apex of the vessel G is preferably made in the shape of a block, having either the form shown in Fig. l, or that, G2 or G3, shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The block G', has a conical recess, while the block G2 is straight, and the block G3, convexed, on its upper surface. Each of the blocks is secured in place by a bolt and nut, as is plainly shown in the said figures, and the varying forms are necessary according to the material to be treated.

As illustrated in Fig. 5, the apex G4 is exteriorly removable so that the concentrates accumulating in the apexof the pan, can from time to time be removed without disturbing the other solid matter in the other part ofthe pan. The base or top of the vessel Gis preferably provided with a separate and upwardly and inwardly curved annular rim G5, to prevent splashing of the material under treatment over the upper edge of the` vessel. In this rim G5 is arranged a gate G, of any approved construction and serving to discharge part of the contents of the vessel when the latter is tilted as hereinafter more fully described.

From the under side of the rim ofthe wheel D depends a bracket D5, in which is journaled a screw rod H, directly under and parallel to the arm D', said screw being provided on its outer end with a wheel H', and having its inner, threaded end screwing in a nut C2 attached to one ofthe bearings C of the socket C. Now, by turning the wheel H' in one direction the wheel D, and consequently the ring Eand vessel G, are caused to slide inward, as the arm D' is fitted to slide in the bearings C' of the socket C. By turning the wheel H in the other direction the said wheel D is fitted to slide in the opposite direction, carrying the ring E and the vessel Gwith it. The screw rod H is located directly under the arm D', so that the center of the wheel D may be made to coincide with the shaft B if desired, but in order to successfully operate the machine the center of the wheel D must be held eccentric to the shaft B.

In order to automatically impart the forward and backward motion to the wheel H' above described, to move the center of the wheel D nearer to or farther from the center of the shaft B, the following device is provided. On the handle E6 extending from the ring E is fitted to slide vertically a frame l2, provided with brake or friction shoes I and l', located opposite each other and arranged in such manner as to engage either the top or bottom of the wheel H' on each revolution of the shaft B, whenever the said wheel passes` between the said shoes.

By shifting the frame I2 downward into the position shown in Fig. l, the shoe I will be engaged by the wheel H', as the latter passes between the two shoes, but the lowermost shoe lwill then be out of contact with the said wheel, and consequently the latter is turned in one direction as long as it is in contact with and rolls off on the upper shoe I. Now, when the frame 12 is moved upward, then the Wheel I-l', in passing between the brake shoes, will roll off on the brake shoe l and be out of contactl with the brake shoe I, and as the said brake shoe l' engages the wheel H at the bottom, the said wheel will be 'ICO IIO

- standstill.

In order to shift the frame 12in the manner above described, the said frame is provided with an elongated aperture I3 engaged by a pin on an arm I4 held on a shaft I5, extending transversely and mounted to turn in the handle EG previously described. On the shaft I5 issecuredv a second arm I6 standing approxi-- mately at right angles to the arm I4 and pivotally connected with a rod I7 having a handle I8, adapted to be taken hold of by the operator to move the said rod forward or backward, to

impart aswinging motion to the shaft I5 and the arm I4 to raise or lower the frame I2 for the purpose above described. On the rod 17, near the handle I8, is arranged a pin I9 adapted to engage one of a series of notches E7 arranged on an extension E8 forming part of the handle Epreviously mentioned. The operator, after shifting the rod I7 to move the frame I2 into the desired position, engages the lug I9 in the corresponding notch E7 to lock the said rod and consequently the frame I2 in position until it is desired to change the motion of the screw rod H as above described. The extension E8 of the handle E6 has a bearing in a fixed board J, and for this purpose the latter is provided with an opening J' having beveled sides so as to permit a sidewise swinging of the handle, and also to permit a forward and backward sliding of the handle in the said board.

As illustrated in Fig. 6 the handle EG may be pivotally connected at its outer end with a cross head or block E15 fitted to slide longitudinally in suitable fixed guideways E16.

In order to impart a jerking motion occasionally to the vessel G, the following device is provided; On the outer end of the trunnion F' is secured the horizontally-extending tube IQparallel with the handle E6. Into the said tube extends a rod L provided with a series of annular ridges L', placed suitable distances apart, as is plainly shown in Fig. 1. The extreme outer end of the rod L is normally mounted to slide and to turn in a universal joint N supported from the board J previously mentioned, as long as jerks are not desired; but when the jerks are required, the rod L is fastened by a pin N' or other device to the universal joint N, so that a longitudinal motion of the rod L is prevented but it is free to follow the gyrating motion of the vessel G. The rod L, between its ridges L', isen gaged by two oppositely arranged plungers O, mounted to slide in suitable bearings K' secured 0n the outer end of the tube K. The plungers O are pressed in contact with the rod L by springs O' held in the said bearings K', as is plainly shown in Fig. 1. Now, when motion is given to the apparatus, the tube K is caused to slide so that the plungers O held in the bearings K' ofthe said tube ride over the'ridges L' on the rod L, thus imparting certain jerks or shakes to the vessel. .In order to keep the vessel G trembling slightly between successive jerks springs F2 and F3 are interposed between the bearings E4 E5 respectively and the vessel G, as is plainlyshown in Fig. l.

In order to'tilt the vessel G to remove the separated lighter particles, a tilting device is provided which is shown fully in Figs. 1 and 7. The trunnion F is provided with a key F4 engaging a slot in a sleeve P mounted to turn in a bearing E9 formed on the bracket E2 in align ment with the bearing E4. On the outer end of this sleeve P is keyed or otherwise secured an arm P' extending downward and formed with a forked end P2 in which are j ournaled the trunnions Q 0f a nut Q in which screws a screw rod R formed with a ball R mounted to turn in a ball bearing E11 secured on brackets E12 and E13, of-which the bracket E12 isk bolted to an arm E14 extending from the bearing E9, and the other bracket E13 is bolted to the bracket E2. On the extreme outer end ofthe screw rod R is secured a handle or crank arm R2 adaptedto be turned by the operator to screw the screw rod R forward or backward in the nut Q, to exert a pull or push on the arm P', to turn the sleeve P, and consequently the trunnion F, so that a tilting motion is given to the vessel G. By turning the crank arm R2 in an opposite direction the -vessel G is returned to its normal horizontal position.

In order to give additional jerks to the vessel G, we provide the latter with an outwardlyextending arm T formed at its under side with angularly extending ridges T' adapted to ride over a pin U held on a post U' set at the rear of the machine in the ground or door, as .is plainly shown in Figs. l and 7. In order to hold the shoes I and I' normally out of contact with the wheel H', the device shown in Fig. 8 may be provided, the said shoes having their supporting frame I2formed with a rod S' fitted to slide in the handleE, the upper end of the said rod being pivot-v ally-connected with a shifting lever S2 which takes the place of the rod I7. A spring S is coiled on the rod S' and rests with-one end on the handle E6, pressing with its other end on the lever `S2 so as to hold the latter and the frame I2 in such a position that the shoes I and I do not engage the wheel H as the latter passes between the shoes, and only when the lever S2 is pressed or raised do the shoes I and I' engage the wheel either on the top or bottom. The frame I2 may be lifted or dropped by a screw and nut wheel as shown` in Fig. 11; the said wheel being Worked by a chain under the control of the operator. The shoes I and I' may also be mounted yieldingly on the frame I2 as shown in the said Fig. Il to insure proper contact with the wheel H'.

The operation is as follows: A charge of gravel, sand, earth or crushed ore consisting IOO IIO

of particles of different specific gravities, is put into the vessel G and enough water, the amount of which is determined by experience, is added to the material, and after establishing the proper distance between the center of motion and the center of the vessel G the machine is started by revolving the shaft B in the manner above described. The revolving of the shaft B causes the socket C to move the wheel D around, eccentrically to the shaft B, and as the ring Eis mounted to turn in the rim of the said wheel and is connected by the handle E with the slot J in the board J, the said bar serves as a handle to turn the ring in its bearing in the rim of the Wheel D, so that an elliptical motion is given to the vessel G, the handle E6 at its extension ES sliding in and out of the slot J and moving sidewise therein. Such a velocityis graduallyimparted to the vessel G that all the materials, or nearly all, rise and remain in suspension. The motion is then gradually slowed until a top skin or an upper layer of the lightest materials present is left in suspension. The increasing velocity and the subsequent de creasing velocity is given to the vessel G by the operator varying the motion of the main driving shaft or manipulating the frame I2 so as to move either of the brake shoes I or 1 in engagement with the wheel H', as the latter comes around on each side of the shaft B. When the upper layer or top skin seems quite free from heavier particles, the vessel G is slowly tilted or tipped over by the operator turning the crank arm R2 as above described. The top skin still floats in the revolving water and gradually passes with the Water to the lower side of the vessel, and is finally thrown over the edge of the latter by the force of the moving water. The vessel G is now again righted by the operator turning the crank arm R2 in the opposite direction, as above described, some water is added, and another skin separated and eliminated, until finally a button or lump of the heaviest substances present in the material remains in the bottom of the vessel G. It depends on the particular material to be separated out whether the skins or the buttons or lumps are saved. The machine is principally emplcyed, however, for separating gold from gravel, and sulphurets from quartz, but apatite or phosphate of lime can also be separated from heavier, less valuable material.

It is understood that the tilting of the vessel G takes place While the latter is in motion, as above described, so that the water in motion carries the top skin with it over the lower edge of the tilted vessel; although it can be tilted, if necessary, in a state of rest. It will also be seen that as the vessel G approaches in its motion the xed board J, which forms the varying fulcrum for the sliding handle E6, a push is given to the said vessel, and when it recedes a pull is given to the same, both due to the friction of the handle E6 in the slot J of the board J. The sides of the slot J are beveled, as previously described, to permit an oscillating motion of the 1vessel G about its own center. It is apparent that this oscillating motion is a progressive one, as one complete oscillation of the vessel on its own axis is made in the same time that one revolution is made around the central shaft B.

By reference to Fig. 9, it will be seen that the peculiarA moti'on given to the vessel G causes each point of the vessel to describe an ellipse on each full revolution of the shaft B, and the position of the ellipses and their size vary according to the revolution of the respective point; that'is to say, the point nearest the slot J describes a smaller ellipse than that farthest from the slot. Furthermore, the position of the ellipses varies, owing to the eccentric position of the wheel D relative to the sha-ft B, and the friction caused by the ring E in` its bearings on the top surface of the rim of the said Wheel D. The form of the ellipse also varies wheneverjerks are given to the vessel, each ellipse then having protuberances as shownin one of the ellipsesin the said Fig. 9. i

It is understood that the bar T and xed pin U give a vertical jig to the vessel G, only when the latter is in a horizontal position, and the frequency of the side jig given by the plungers O and the ridged rod L to the vessel G depends on the rapidity of the motion of the main shaft B. Itis evident, however, that the frequency of jerks can be altered by giving an independent reciprocating motion to the ridged rod L inside the tube K, either when the machine is in motion or more especially when it is at rest. This independent reciprocating motion may be given by hand or by mechanical means.

It is understood that this machine may be successfully employed for treating milk to obtain cream, or for separating and concentrating other liquids and substances not named herein.

Having thus thus described our invention, We claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft, a disk or Wheel eccentrically mounted thereon, and a vessel-carrying ring mounted to turn on the said Wheel and provided with an extension or handle having guided movement in a fixed bearing, substantially as described.

2. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft, a disk or wheel eccentrically mounted thereon a vessel-carrying ring mounted on the disk to turn relatively thereto, and provided with an extension or handle, and a fixed bearing in which thesaid extension has guided movement, to impart to the ring and vessel a gyrating motion about the center of the shaft, and an oscillating motion about the vessels own center, substantially as described.

3. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft carrying bearings, a Wheel fitted to IIO IZO

slide in said bearings, and a ring mounted to turn on the said wheel, a vessel carried, by the said ring, and means for causing the vessel tooscillate relatively to the wheel, substantially as described.

4. Aconcentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft, a ring mounted on the shaft and constructed to slide toward and from the center thereof, a vessel carried by the said ring, means for causing the vessel to oscillate relatively to the wheel and means for adjusting the said ring to vary its eccen tricity and the rangeof its gyratory motion, substantially as described.

5. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft, a ring mounted on the shaft and constructed to slide toward and from the center thereof a vessel carried by the said ring, means for causing the vessel to oscillate relatively to the wheel, an adjusting screw for moving the said ring to vary the eccentricity thereof, said screw being provided with a wheel, and a shoe arranged to engage the said wheel as the screw revolves with the shaft, to rotate the screw and move the vessel-carrying ring in an essentially radial direction, substantially as described.-

6. The combination of a revoluble shaft, a vessel-carrying ring mounted on the shaft and constructed to slide toward and from the center thereof, an adjusting screw for moving the said ring to vary the eccentricity thereof, said screw being` provided with a wheel, and a movable frame provided with yshoes adapted to engage the said Wheel as the screw revolves with the shaft, to rotate the screw and move the vessel-carrying ring inward or outward, substantially as described.

7. A concentrator, comprising a vessel provided with trunnions, a ring or support provided with bearings to receive the said trunnions, and means for imparting a gyratory motion to the ring, substantially as described.

8. A concentrator, comprising a vessel having trunnions mounted to slidein suitable bearings, a sleeve in which one of the trunnions has sliding movement, and with which the said trunnion is held to turn, and means for turning the sleeve tov tilt the vessel, substantially as described.

9. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft carrying a socket having bearings, a wheel fitted to slide horizontally in the said bearings, a ring mounted to turn on the rim of the said wheel, and a vessel having trunnions journaled in bearings supported on the said ring, substantially as shown and described.

10. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft carrying a socket havingabearings, a wheel fitted to slide horizontally in the said bearings, a ring mounted to turn on the rim of the said wheel, a vessel having trunnions` journaled in bearings supported on-the said ring, and a handle extending from the said ring and guided in fixed bearings, substantially as shown and described.

All. A concentrator comprising a revoluble shaft carrying a socket having bearings, a wheel fitted to slide horizontally in the said bearings, a ring mounted to turn on the rim of the said wheel; arvessel having trunnions journaled in bearings support-ed en the said ring, a handle extending from the said ring and guided on fixed bearings, a screw rod screwing in the said wheel and engaging a nut in the said socket, a wheel held on said screw rod, and a frame fitted to slide and carrying two shoes adapted to engage the top and bottom of the said wheel, substantially as shown and described.

12. A concentrator, comprising a revoluble shaft carrying a socket having bearings, a wheel fitted to slide horizontally in the said bearings, a ring mounted to turn on the rim of the said wheel, a vessel having trunnions journaled in bearings supported on said ring, and a handle extending from the said ring and guided in fixed bearings, a screw rod screwing in the said wheel and engaging a nut in the said socket, a Wheel held on said screw rod, a frame fitted -to slide and carrying two shoes adapted to engage the top and bottom `of the said wheel, and a mechanism for imparting a sliding motion to the said frame, as set forth.

13. A concentrator, comprising a vessel having trunnions mountedto slide in suitable bearings, a sleeve turning with one of the said trunnions, and permitting the latter to slide roo in the sleeve, an arm secured on the said sleeve, a nut mounted to turn in the said arm, and a screw rod screwing in the said nut and journaled in fixed bearings, substantially as shown and described.

14.. A concentrator, comprising a vessel hav: ing trunnions, a ring having bearingsengaged by thesaid trunnions, a tube extending from one of the said trunnions and carrying springpressed plungers, a rod having ridges and ex- 1 ro tending into the said tube and adapted to engage or be engaged by the said plungers, and a fixed support with which the said rod is adapted to be connected, the vessel being ladapted to move toward'and from the said 115 support substantially as shown and described.

15. A concentrator, comprising a vessel having trunnions, aring havin gbearin gs engaged by the said trunnions, a tube extending from one of the said trunnions and carrying springr 2 o pressed plungers, a rod having ridges and extending into the said tube and adapted to engage or be engaged by the said plungers, a Stationary universal joint for carrying the outer end of the said rod, the vessel having movement toward and from the said joint, and means for preventing longitudinal movement of the rod in the said joint substantially as shown and described.

WALTER JOHN HAMMOND. JOHN GORDON.v Witnesses:

FRANCIS W. Fareour, SIDNEY T. CHAMBERLAIN. 

